Are you spending the summer in Brussels and short of ideas? Brussels offers all kinds of vibrant and diverse activities. Whether you’re more into museums, festivals, family outings or all of the above, our city won’t disappoint! Discover nine must-do activities to make the most of the summer season.
Bruxellons! from July 10 to September 28
For the past 26 years, the Bruxellons! festival has been bringing the Château du Karreveld in Molenbeek-Saint-Jean to life with a rich program: around 100 performances of 15 shows, created at the festival or originating from the Wallonia-Brussels Federation. Since 2015, the festival has also included a major musical with live orchestra. In 2024, the festival will present the world premiere of “Come from Away” in French, considered one of the three best musicals of the last ten years.
📍Château du Karreveld: Av. Jean de la Hoese 32, 1080 Molenbeek-Saint-Jean
Foire du Midi: July 13 to August 18
The Foire du Midi is a not-to-be-missed event in Brussels! It returns this summer with almost 130 family attractions along the Boulevard du Midi. This beloved summer event offers rides, thrills and treats like cotton candy… Hours of fun for the whole family!
📍 Foire du Midi: R20 26, 1000 Brussels
Chantal Akerman: Traveling. Until July 21
In July, don’t miss the exhibition “Chantal Akerman. Travelling”. You’ll discover a minimalist space showcasing four of the Belgian director and writer’s early black-and-white short films. They capture aspects of the 1967 Foire du Midi and the everyday gestures of women in Brussels. Guided by Akerman’s words, the exhibition explores her profound links with writing and cinema. It also offers a rare glimpse into her artistic genius, through a variety of locations and genres.
📍Bozar: Rue Ravensteinstraat 23, 1000 Brussels
National holiday: July 21
On July 21, 2024, the “Fête au Parc” takes over the heart of Brussels. It features folk parades, visits to institutions and museums, and a program stretching from the Palais de Justice to the Parliament. At 9pm, a concert followed by fireworks at the Cinquantenaire marks the closing of the festivities. And don’t miss any of the other must-sees! For example, the “Police Village” at Place Poelaert, Defense activities at Place Royale, and the “Security Village” at the Sablon!
City Hall Living Tours from July 27
Head for Brussels City Hall, a UNESCO World Heritage site, for the Visites Vivantes, unusual tours orchestrated by the Back Pocket company – creators of the opening ceremony of the Molières Awards – combining dance and acrobatics. We’re telling you, you’ll never see the mayor’s office, the town council chamber or the Gothic Great Hall in the same way again!
📍Brussels City Hall
📆 Multiple dates
Summer Fun: July 26 to August 18
In 2024, Plaisirs d’Été will bring Brussels to life with dance performances, an R&B concert and a varied artistic program on the Place de la Bourse. Other venues will also be involved! Square Jacques Brel (August 1-4), Mont des Arts (August 8-11), and Place de la Chapelle (August 15-18), as well as dance films at Cinéma Palace in August. What’s more, Brussels City Hall will be offering its first-ever Visites Vivantes, acrobatic performances from July 27 to August 11. A not-to-be-missed option for the whole family!
Tapis de Fleurs: August 15 to 18
The Tapis de Fleurs on Brussels’ Grand-Place, 70 meters long and 24 meters wide, covers 1680 square meters of begonias, dahlias, grasses and bark. Created by a hundred volunteers in just six hours, this spectacular event returns in August. One hundred gardeners will be working to assemble and maintain this floral masterpiece! It’s one of the most beautiful in Europe.
📍Grand-Place, 1000 Brussels
Vegan Street Festival Brussels 2024: September 14
September 14 marks the 7th edition of the Vegan Brussels Festival! It’s a not-to-be-missed event for vegans and food lovers alike. The event features a wide range of tasty plant-based dishes, as well as cruelty-free cosmetics, sustainable fashion and many other innovations.
📍Vismet, 1000 Brussels, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Bubble Planet: all summer long
In Brussels, it’s quite a novelty: there’s an immersive experience that lets you explore a universe made of bubbles in every possible shape and form. Lava lamps, soap bubbles, string lights, neon lights… The spherical décor envelops us, allowing us to spend time in a bubble, wandering through 10 rooms or testing out virtual reality activities. If you’re curious to find out what it’s all about, head over to Tour & Taxis!